BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1926, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

A WAR TIME MYSTERY. LONDON. July 23

The papers are giving prominence to the story of Mrs Gregory, a Sydneyite, who reached London on Monday week last. She has come to search for her daughter, who came to England before the war to study singing. During the war the girl nursed in an hospital. She was unexpectedly recognised in the hospital by her brother, who was brought in wounded. The girl’s letters home ceased five years ago, after the girl’s marriage to a wealthy merchant. Her mother, therefore, lias come to London. Thus far, however, her search as been without result. r

COUNT VON BUCKNER. BERLIN. July 22

Count Von Luckner, who in URO passed through a blockade aboard the sailing ship “ See Adler,” under the Norwegian flag, and who was eventually captured in the Pacific Ocean, and interned in Auckland, from which he twice escaped, hut was recaptured, is now a zealous Fascist. Count Von Luckner shortly proposes to set out to the seven seas in a fullrigged shin, named the “ Vaterlund,’’ in order to exhibit German goods all over the world. Count Von Luckner will also give lectures on the war from the German viewpoint during his travels.

A MEDIUM’S CLAIM. LONDON. July 22

Geraldine Cummins, a professional medium, has instituted an action against Frederick Bligli Blond, claiming the copyright of a literary work entitled “The Chronicle of Cleophas,” purporting to be an account of the Apostles in the early days of Cliristianty. Geraldine Cummins gave evidence in support of her claim to the effect that she 'autosuggested herself into a dream state, in which spirit writing poured from her pen. Bond’s counsel explained that Bond was frequently present at those demonstrations, lie claimed, copyright because the communications wore, addressed to him. The ’medium Cummins, claimed Bond agreed that sluji should take one third of the profits of*publication. Justice Eve at the resumed hearing of the spirit writing case, expressed his wonder that Cleophas spoke in archaic English. He supposed the original Cleophas spoke Hebrew, and not mediaeval English. Bond gave evidence that lie had been called to assist in connection with the writings, because he was known to be able to got writings of this character trom mediums. In this particular instance Cleophas had called for him (Bond). The Judge; “Tf you had Browning’s poems, and endeavoured to explain what Browning meant, you wouldn’t call yourself the author of them. THey are just as unintelligible to the ordinary man ns Cleophas.”

Counsel said that Bond was a man of some distinction, whereupon the Judge said; “I don’t care tuppence what his reputation is! A lot of things ’.Hint explaining.” His Honour decided that the copyright belonged to 'Cummins. Bond was ordered to pay costs.

UNWRITTEN law. PARIS, July 22. Albert Lancel, charged with the murder of Robert Marge, was acquitted. Albert Lancel was charged with the murder of Robert Marge a French aviator and athlete. Lancel went to Marge’s flat and found his wife lightly clad in the bathroom. A fierce quarrel ensued during which Marge was shot. At the trial Lancel declared that he fired in self defence. Much interest was taken in the trial, a, mysterious woman arousing much curiosity. The woman went in a taxi-cab with Lancel to the flat and waited while he forced the door. Lancel refused to divulge her name. “The tragedy is over. I would not provoke another, 1 ” he said.